Vertical slice management and selection leveraging dynamic alliances of access core and service network resources

ABSTRACT

A vertically integrated slice management system is provided that can leverage dynamic alliances of access layer, core layer, and service layer services. The system can instantiate a vertical slice that incorporates one or more services and network functions from a selection of layer slices in order to provide a streamlined and efficient mechanism for serving a user device based on the type of the user device, and the type of service requested.

RELATED APPLICATION

The subject patent application is a continuation of, and claims priorityto, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/207,675 (now U.S. Pat. No.10,681,589), filed Dec. 3, 2018, and entitled “VERTICAL SLICE MANAGEMENTAND SELECTION LEVERAGING DYNAMIC ALLIANCES OF ACCESS CORE AND SERVICENETWORK RESOURCES,” the entirety of which application is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to a field of mobilecommunication and, more specifically to leveraging dynamic alliances ofaccess, core, and service network resources.

BACKGROUND

To meet the huge demand for data centric applications, Third GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP) systems and systems that employ one or moreaspects of the specifications of the Fourth Generation (4G) standard forwireless communications will be extended to a Fifth Generation (5G) andSixth Generation (6G) standards for wireless communications. Uniquechallenges exist to provide levels of service associated withforthcoming 5G, 6G and other next generation network standards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject disclosureare described with reference to the following figures, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system forvertically integrating slices in accordance with various aspects andembodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates slices in different layers of a wirelesscommunication system in accordance with various aspects and embodimentsof the subject disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example vertical slice leveraging slice layers inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example slice pairing function in accordance withvarious aspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method for vertically slice management andselection in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of thesubject disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method for vertically slice management andselection in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of thesubject disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for vertically slice management andselection in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of thesubject disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example block diagram of a non-limiting embodimentof a mobile network platform in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example block diagram of an example user equipmentthat can be a mobile handset operable to provide a format indicator inaccordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram of a computer that can beoperable to execute processes and methods in accordance with variousaspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It is evident,however, that the various embodiments can be practiced without thesespecific details (and without applying to any particular networkedenvironment or standard).

Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for a vertically integratedslice management system that can leverage dynamic alliances of accesslayer, core layer, and service layer services. The system caninstantiate a vertical slice that incorporates one or more services andnetwork functions from a selection of layer slices in order to provide astreamlined and efficient mechanism for serving a user device based onthe type of the user device, and the type of service requested. Thepairing function that can dynamically select slices in each layer caninclude a software defined networking agent to communicate themanagement functionality for each layer as well as to create an overviewof available resources of each adjacent layer. The slice pairingfunction can also include policy and Quality of Service (QoS) functionsthat can create a controlling function of resource delegations accordingto what is available what can be used in each layer to orchestrate anoptimal vertical slice for any given services. The vertical slices canuse exclusively use a slice on each layer or can share resources withother vertical resources.

Note that for simplicity we use the radio network node or simply networknode is used for gNB. It refers to any type of network node that servesUE and/or connected to other network node or network element or anyradio node from where UE receives signal. Examples of hosting layerradio network nodes are Node B, base station (BS), multi-standard radio(MSR) node such as MSR BS, gNB, eNode B, network controller, radionetwork controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donornode controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point(AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU, RRH, nodes indistributed antenna system (DAS) etc. Other types of access pointdevices can include 6LowPan, Wi-Fi, Range extenders, femtocells, andother enhancing layer devices.

Likewise, for reception we use the term user equipment (UE). It refersto any type of wireless device that communicates with a radio networknode in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE aretarget device, device to device (D2D) UE, machine type UE or UE capableof machine to machine (M2M) communication, PDA, Tablet, mobileterminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mountedequipment (LME), USB dongles etc. Note that the terms element, elementsand antenna ports are also interchangeably used but carry the samemeaning in this disclosure.

In various embodiments, a system can comprise a processor and a memorythat stores executable instructions that, when executed by the processorfacilitate performance of operations. The operations can comprisereceiving, from a user equipment device, a connection request comprisinginformation indicating an associated network service. The operations canalso include instantiating a vertical network slice comprising portionsof a group of network slices, wherein a portion of the portionscomprises a network function related to the network service. Theoperations can also comprise facilitating operation of the networkservice for the user equipment device via the vertical network slice.

In another embodiment, method comprises facilitating, by a networkdevice comprising a processor, receiving a network service request froma mobile device, wherein the network service request is associated witha network service. The method can also comprise selecting, by thenetwork device, a first network function of a first layer slice and asecond network function of a second layer slice, wherein the firstnetwork function and the second network function facilitate operation ofthe network service. The method can also comprise instantiating, by thenetwork device, a vertical slice comprising the first network functionand the second network function, wherein the vertical slice isconfigured to facilitate execution of the network service. The methodcan also comprise facilitating, by the network device, transmitting anoutput of the network service to the mobile device.

In another embodiment machine-readable storage medium, comprisingexecutable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device,facilitate performance of operations. The operations can comprisereceiving a network service request from a mobile device, wherein thenetwork service request is associated with a network service of a mobilenetwork. The operations can also comprise selecting a first networkfunction of a first layer slice and a second network function of asecond layer slice, wherein the first network function and the secondnetwork function facilitate operation of the network service. Theoperations can also comprise instantiating a vertical slice of themobile network comprising the first network function and the secondnetwork function, wherein the vertical slice is configured to executethe network service. The operations can also comprise executing thenetwork service using the vertical slice.

As used in this disclosure, in some embodiments, the terms “component,”“system” and the like are intended to refer to, or comprise, acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational apparatuswith one or more specific functionalities, wherein the entity can beeither hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, orsoftware in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is notlimited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, anobject, an executable, a thread of execution, computer-executableinstructions, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration andnot limitation, both an application running on a server and the servercan be a component.

One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread ofexecution and a component may be localized on one computer and/ordistributed between two or more computers. In addition, these componentscan execute from various computer readable media having various datastructures stored thereon. The components may communicate via localand/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having oneor more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting withanother component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across anetwork such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). Asanother example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry, which is operated by a software application orfirmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor canbe internal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part ofthe software or firmware application. The mechanical parts can includesensors on a float, tilt monitors, and etc. As yet another example, acomponent can be an apparatus that provides specific functionalitythrough electronic components without mechanical parts, the electroniccomponents can comprise a processor therein to execute software orfirmware that confers at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components. While various components have been illustrated asseparate components, it will be appreciated that multiple components canbe implemented as a single component, or a single component can beimplemented as multiple components, without departing from exampleembodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable (or machine-readable) device or computer-readable (ormachine-readable) storage/communications media.

Computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, solid state drive (SSD) or other solid-state storagetechnology, compact disk read only memory (CD ROM), digital versatiledisk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical disk storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices or other tangible and/or non-transitory media which canbe used to store desired information. In this regard, the terms“tangible” or “non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “mobile device equipment,” “mobile station,”“mobile,” subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,”“communication device,” “mobile device” (and/or terms representingsimilar terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by asubscriber or mobile device of a wireless communication service toreceive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming orsubstantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing termsare utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the relateddrawings. Likewise, the terms “access point (AP),” “Base Station (BS),”BS transceiver, BS device, cell site, cell site device, “Node B (NB),”“evolved Node B (eNode B),” “home Node B (HNB)” and the like, areutilized interchangeably in the application, and refer to a wirelessnetwork component or appliance that transmits and/or receives data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream from one or more subscriber stations. Data andsignaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “device,” “communication device,” “mobiledevice,” “subscriber,” “customer entity,” “consumer,” “customer entity,”“entity” and the like are employed interchangeably throughout, unlesscontext warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based on complex mathematical formalisms), which canprovide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

Embodiments described herein can be exploited in substantially anywireless communication technology, comprising, but not limited to,wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), global system for mobile communications(GSM), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), worldwideinteroperability for microwave access (WiMAX), enhanced general packetradio service (enhanced GPRS), third generation partnership project(3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), third generation partnership project 2(3GPP2) ultra mobile broadband (UMB), high speed packet access (HSPA),machine to machine, satellite, microwave, laser, Z-Wave, Zigbee andother 802.XX wireless technologies and/or legacy telecommunicationtechnologies.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system forvertically integrating slices in accordance with various aspects andembodiments of the subject disclosure.

A UE device 102 can connect to a mobile network (e.g., core network 106)via radio access network device 104. In one or more embodiments, variousslices (logical collection of network services across a layer) can beinstantiated to manage communications and services for the UE device102.

Network slices are form of virtual network architecture that comprise adefined set of virtual network functions designed to facilitate one ormore computing purposes. Various slices can be instantiated on the radioaccess network device 104 or the core network 106, each of the networkslices can perform a set of operations to facilitate one or moreservices.

Each slice can comprise an independent set of logical network functionsthat support the requirements of the particular use case, with the term‘logical’ referring to software. Each slice can be optimized to providethe resources and network topology for the specific service and trafficthat will use the slice. Functions such as speed, capacity, connectivityand coverage will be allocated to meet the particular demands of eachuse case, but functional components may also be shared across differentnetwork slices.

Slice can be found at each layer of the network, with access slices thatprovide functionality for the radio access network 104, core slices thatprovide functionality and services for the core network 106 (e.g.,authentication, security, gateway), service layer slices that providefunctionality for defined services, and Internet of Things (IoT) relatedslices that provide functionality and services for various IoT devicesincluding sensors, MEMs machines, appliances, embedded device, userequipment device, and etc. Each slice at each layer can comprise a groupof network functions and services that can provide assistance for thatlayer.

Any single device that connects to the mobile network however, dependingon the type of device, service requested, capabilities, and etc., mayonly require one or more of the network functions for one or more of theslice layers. Therefore, in traditional systems, providing an entireslice for the operation of every single device is not an optimal use ofresources, and thus this disclosure describes a vertical managementsystem that can more optimally assign resources to a UE device 102.

Each part of the network can be composed of a specific functionalitythat are tailored for a specific service or group of functions. Theimportant aspect of the architecture is the ability to perform the giventask efficiently and optimally on each layer. To be able to achieve thatthe network need to orchestrate and communicate each layer componentwith the rest of the network resources. This can be done byconsolidating the network resources vertically, by adding pairingfunctionality between the slices of the network layers and have anoverall overview of the network by utilizing global SDN managementfunctionality. This can enable the entire network to operate inconsortium, with specific and pinpointed serviceability.

In a 6G virtual network, each layer of the network instantiated andtailored for a specific functionality with the given policy and serviceaccessibility. However, to be able to optimally configure the networkfor a certain service or number of services for an enterprise customer,there is a need to orchestrate different aspect of the network such as:Access network which can manage capacity, coverage, and availabletechnology; Core network which can manage slice composition andfunctionality, location of the slice, capacity and elasticity; aTransport Layer; and a Service Execution Layer.

Each part of the network can independently create a consolidation of theresources for a specific functionality as slices. However, in order tobring efficiency and streamlining of the network, these vertical slicescan then be reused for more than one service. To be able to achievethis, a global management system can be provided to bring an overview ofexisting and available slices in the network on each layer plus apairing function between each network layer in order to create avertical dynamic slice which can utilize one or more slices in eachlayer depend on the service composition.

Each paring function can be composed of SDN agent to communicate themanagement functionality for each layer as well as create an overview ofavailable resources of each adjacent layer and Policy and QoS functions:These can create a controlling function of resource delegationsaccording to what is available what can be used in each layer toorchestrate an optimal vertical slice for any given services. Thevertical slices can exclusively use a slice on each layer or can shareresources with other vertical resources.

Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated are slices in different layers of awireless communication system in accordance with various aspects andembodiments of the subject disclosure.

Core network 202 can comprise slices 204 and 206 that each comprise agroup, exclusive or overlapping, of network functions to performspecified tasks or general tasks for various different devices andservices including UE 214. Similarly, radio access network 208 can alsocomprise slice 210 and slice 212 to perform various tasks and functionsfor UE 214.

It is to be appreciated that while UE 214 is shown, in this figure andin other figures, the devices are interchangeable, and UE 214 couldrepresent one or more embedded devices, sensors, and other IoT devices.

In FIG. 3, a vertical slice 302 is shown that incorporates slice 204 and210 from core network 202 and radio access network 208 respectively.This slice can incorporate the slices from the layers (e.g., the corelayer associated with core network 202 and the access layer associatedwith radio access network 208). It is to be appreciated that in otherembodiments, other layers can include IoT layers and radio resourcelayers with respective IoT slices and radio resource slices. In anembodiment, the radio resource slices can provide management andfunctionality related to time, frequency, and spatial radio resources,while the IoT slices can provide functionality related to IoT devices.

Additionally, while the core slices are shown as being part of the corenetwork 202, and the radio access slices are shown as being part of theradio access network 208, in other embodiments, devices in any part ofthe network can be used to instantiate slices from other layers of themobile network. Thus, a radio access network device, e.g., a basestation device, network node, or gNB can house servers that caninstantiate both radio access layer slices as well as core networkslices to provide functionality of the entire network at one device. Thevertical slice 302 can thus span across devices and network layers asshown here, or can logically span network layers while beinginstantiated by a server in one of the layers.

In an embodiment, the vertical slice 302 can be instantiated for apredetermined time slot, or for a defined time duration. At the end ofthe duration, to enable different services, a vertical slice comprisingdifferent slices from the slice layers can be incorporated. At adifferent time duration, a new vertical slice comprising slice 206 and212 can be instantiated. In other embodiments, the vertical slices cancoexist, and share network functions and resources. For example, slice210 can be a part of slice 302 as well as another vertical slice.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated is an example slice pairing functionin accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

A slice pairing function 414 can include a software defined networkingagent to communicate the management functionality for each layer (e.g.,core layer in core network 402 comprising slice 404 and 406 and radioaccess layer in radio access network 408 comprising slice 410 and 412)as well as to create an overview of available resources of each adjacentlayer. The slice pairing function can also include policy and Quality ofService (QoS) functions that can create a controlling function ofresource delegations according to what is available what can be used ineach layer to orchestrate an optimal vertical slice for any givenservices.

Slicing the radio access network would enable the operator to microdesign RAN architecture for each slice with its own radio elements whichwould encompasses: Dedicated UE association with specific slice; accesscontrol; load balancing; and Customized Control and User planconfiguration.

This solution would enable carrier to create access network specificallyfor a service instead generic solution with radio node specific accessnetwork. This will enable the operator to further customize the 6Gnetwork's User and control plane configuration for a slice specificformation. This can make the slice more of a user/service orientedinstead of a physical constrained.

As an example, the dynamic slice configuration can depend on suchfactors as the multiple public land mobile networks with each gNB with aprimary public land mobile network and an additional public land mobilenetwork for each operator leasing the resources. Another factor caninclude using the public land mobile network for identifying differentaccess slices and distinguishing between different host layer resources,traffic type, traffic load, and QoS requirement.

The RAN architecture of each of the slices can be dynamicallyconfigured. Slice #1 can only operate on a macro cell, slice #2 can onlyoperate on small cells, and slice #3 can operate on both macro and smallcells. In another embodiment, slice #1 could expand its operation tosmall cells, while slice #3 can terminate operation on some of the smallcells.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrates processes in connection with the aforementionedsystems. The process in FIGS. 5-7 can be implemented for example by thesystems in FIGS. 1-4 respectively. While for purposes of simplicity ofexplanation, the methods are shown and described as a series of blocks,it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matteris not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described hereinafter.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method 500 an example method forvertically slice management and selection in accordance with variousaspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.

Method 500 can begin at 502 wherein the method includes receiving, froma user equipment device, a connection request comprising informationindicating an associated network serv.

At 504, the method can include instantiating a vertical network slicecomprising portions of a group of network slices, wherein a portion ofthe portions comprises a network function related to the networkservice.

At 506, the method can include facilitating operation of the networkservice for the user equipment device via the vertical network slice.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example method 600 an example method forvertically slice management and selection in accordance with variousaspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.

Method 600 can begin at 602 wherein the method includes facilitating, bya network device comprising a processor, receiving a network servicerequest from a mobile device, wherein the network service request isassociated with a network service.

At 604, the method can include selecting, by the network device, a firstnetwork function of a first layer slice and a second network function ofa second layer slice, wherein the first network function and the secondnetwork function facilitate operation of the network service.

At 606, the method can include instantiating, by the network device, avertical slice comprising the first network function and the secondnetwork function, wherein the vertical slice is configured to executethe network service.

At 608, the method can include facilitating, by the network device,transmitting an output of the network service to the mobile device

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700 an example method forvertically slice management and selection in accordance with variousaspects and embodiments of the subject disclosure.

Method 700 can begin at 702 wherein the method includes receiving anetwork service request from a mobile device, wherein the networkservice request is associated with a network service of a mobilenetwork.

At 704, the method can include selecting a first network function of afirst layer slice and a second network function of a second layer slice,wherein the first network function and the second network functionfacilitate operation of the network service.

At 706, the method can include instantiating a vertical slice of themobile network comprising the first network function and the secondnetwork function, wherein the vertical slice is configured to facilitateexecution of the network service.

At 708, the method can include executing the network service using thevertical slice.

FIG. 8 presents an example embodiment 800 of a mobile network platform810 that can implement and exploit one or more aspects of the disclosedsubject matter described herein. Generally, wireless network platform810 can include components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers,or disparate platforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g.,internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM))and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well ascontrol generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As anon-limiting example, wireless network platform 810 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 810includes CS gateway node(s) 812 which can interface CS traffic receivedfrom legacy networks like telephony network(s) 840 (e.g., publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN))or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 860. Circuit switched gatewaynode(s) 812 can authorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arisingfrom such networks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 812 can accessmobility, or roaming, data generated through SS7 network 860; forinstance, mobility data stored in a visited location register (VLR),which can reside in memory 830. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 812interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PS gateway node(s) 818. Asan example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gateway node(s) 812 can berealized at least in part in gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). Itshould be appreciated that functionality and specific operation of CSgateway node(s) 812, PS gateway node(s) 818, and serving node(s) 816, isprovided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobilenetwork platform 810 for telecommunication. Mobile network platform 810can also include the MMEs, HSS/PCRFs, SGWs, and PGWs disclosed herein.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 818 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions caninclude traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to thewireless network platform 810, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 850,enterprise network(s) 870, and service network(s) 880, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 810 through PS gateway node(s) 818. It is to benoted that WANs 850 and enterprise network(s) 870 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) 817,packet-switched gateway node(s) 818 can generate packet data protocolcontexts when a data session is established; other data structures thatfacilitate routing of packetized data also can be generated. To thatend, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 818 can include a tunnel interface(e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in 3GPP UMTS network(s) (notshown)) which can facilitate packetized communication with disparatewireless network(s), such as Wi-Fi networks.

In embodiment 800, wireless network platform 810 also includes servingnode(s) 816 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) 817, convey the various packetized flows of datastreams received through PS gateway node(s) 818. It is to be noted thatfor technology resource(s) 817 that rely primarily on CS communication,server node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance on PS gatewaynode(s) 818; for example, server node(s) can embody at least in part amobile switching center. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, servingnode(s) 816 can be embodied in serving GPRS support node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)814 in wireless network platform 810 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can include add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bywireless network platform 810. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 818 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 816 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 814 can include utilityserver(s), a utility server can include a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through wireless network platform 810 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 812and PS gateway node(s) 818 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 850 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to wirelessnetwork platform 810 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as femto-cell network(s) (not shown) that enhancewireless service coverage within indoor confined spaces and offload RANresources in order to enhance subscriber service experience within ahome or business environment by way of UE 875.

It is to be noted that server(s) 814 can include one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of macro networkplatform 810. To that end, the one or more processor can execute codeinstructions stored in memory 830, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 814 can include a content manager 815, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 800, memory 830 can store information related tooperation of wireless network platform 810. Other operationalinformation can include provisioning information of mobile devicesserved through wireless platform network 810, subscriber databases;application intelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates,flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s)consistent with telecommunication protocols for operation of disparateradio, or wireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 830 can alsostore information from at least one of telephony network(s) 840, WAN850, enterprise network(s) 870, or SS7 network 860. In an aspect, memory830 can be, for example, accessed as part of a data store component oras a remotely connected memory store.

Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated is a schematic block diagram of anexample end-user device such as a user equipment) that can be a mobiledevice 900 capable of connecting to a network in accordance with someembodiments described herein. Although a mobile handset 900 isillustrated herein, it will be understood that other devices can be amobile device, and that the mobile handset 900 is merely illustrated toprovide context for the embodiments of the various embodiments describedherein. The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, generaldescription of an example of a suitable environment 900 in which thevarious embodiments can be implemented. While the description includes ageneral context of computer-executable instructions embodied on amachine-readable storage medium, those skilled in the art will recognizethat the various embodiments also can be implemented in combination withother program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) can include routines,programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particulartasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the methods described herein canbe practiced with other system configurations, includingsingle-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like,each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associateddevices.

A computing device can typically include a variety of machine-readablemedia. Machine-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media can include volatileand/or non-volatile media, removable and/or non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data. Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM,digital video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store thedesired information and which can be accessed by the computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media.

The handset 900 includes a processor 902 for controlling and processingall onboard operations and functions. A memory 904 interfaces to theprocessor 902 for storage of data and one or more applications 906(e.g., a video player software, user feedback component software, etc.).Other applications can include voice recognition of predetermined voicecommands that facilitate initiation of the user feedback signals. Theapplications 906 can be stored in the memory 904 and/or in a firmware908, and executed by the processor 902 from either or both the memory904 or/and the firmware 908. The firmware 908 can also store startupcode for execution in initializing the handset 900. A communicationscomponent 910 interfaces to the processor 902 to facilitatewired/wireless communication with external systems, e.g., cellularnetworks, VoIP networks, and so on. Here, the communications component910 can also include a suitable cellular transceiver 911 (e.g., a GSMtransceiver) and/or an unlicensed transceiver 913 (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax)for corresponding signal communications. The handset 900 can be a devicesuch as a cellular telephone, a PDA with mobile communicationscapabilities, and messaging-centric devices. The communicationscomponent 910 also facilitates communications reception from terrestrialradio networks (e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, andInternet-based radio services networks.

The handset 900 includes a display 912 for displaying text, images,video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setupfunctions, and for user input. For example, the display 912 can also bereferred to as a “screen” that can accommodate the presentation ofmultimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics,etc.). The display 912 can also display videos and can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A serial I/O interface914 is provided in communication with the processor 902 to facilitatewired and/or wireless serial communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE1394) through a hardwire connection, and other serial input devices(e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). This supports updating andtroubleshooting the handset 900, for example. Audio capabilities areprovided with an audio I/O component 916, which can include a speakerfor the output of audio signals related to, for example, indication thatthe user pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the userfeedback signal. The audio I/O component 916 also facilitates the inputof audio signals through a microphone to record data and/or telephonyvoice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone conversations.

The handset 900 can include a slot interface 918 for accommodating a SIC(Subscriber Identity Component) in the form factor of a card SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) or universal SIM 920, and interfacing the SIM card920 with the processor 902. However, it is to be appreciated that theSIM card 920 can be manufactured into the handset 900, and updated bydownloading data and software.

The handset 900 can process IP data traffic through the communicationcomponent 910 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, forexample, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home network, a personarea network, etc., through an ISP or broadband cable provider. Thus,VoIP traffic can be utilized by the handset 800 and IP-based multimediacontent can be received in either an encoded or decoded format.

A video processing component 922 (e.g., a camera) can be provided fordecoding encoded multimedia content. The video processing component 922can aid in facilitating the generation, editing and sharing of videoquotes. The handset 900 also includes a power source 924 in the form ofbatteries and/or an AC power subsystem, which power source 924 caninterface to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown)by a power I/O component 926.

The handset 900 can also include a video component 930 for processingvideo content received and, for recording and transmitting videocontent. For example, the video component 930 can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A location trackingcomponent 932 facilitates geographically locating the handset 900. Asdescribed hereinabove, this can occur when the user initiates thefeedback signal automatically or manually. A user input component 934facilitates the user initiating the quality feedback signal. The userinput component 934 can also facilitate the generation, editing andsharing of video quotes. The user input component 934 can include suchconventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard,mouse, stylus pen, and/or touch screen, for example.

Referring again to the applications 906, a hysteresis component 936facilitates the analysis and processing of hysteresis data, which isutilized to determine when to associate with the access point. Asoftware trigger component 938 can be provided that facilitatestriggering of the hysteresis component 938 when the Wi-Fi transceiver913 detects the beacon of the access point. A SIP client 940 enables thehandset 900 to support SIP protocols and register the subscriber withthe SIP registrar server. The applications 906 can also include a client942 that provides at least the capability of discovery, play and storeof multimedia content, for example, music.

The handset 900, as indicated above related to the communicationscomponent 810, includes an indoor network radio transceiver 913 (e.g.,Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports the indoor radio link, suchas IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM handset 900. The handset 900 canaccommodate at least satellite radio services through a handset that cancombine wireless voice and digital radio chipsets into a single handhelddevice.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputer 1000 operable to execute the functions and operations performedin the described example embodiments. For example, a network node (e.g.,network node 406) may contain components as described in FIG. 10. Thecomputer 1000 can provide networking and communication capabilitiesbetween a wired or wireless communication network and a server and/orcommunication device. In order to provide additional context for variousaspects thereof, FIG. 10 and the following discussion are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environmentin which the various aspects of the embodiments can be implemented tofacilitate the establishment of a transaction between an entity and athird party. While the description above is in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodimentsalso can be implemented in combination with other program modules and/oras a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the various methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the various embodiments can also be practicedin distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performedby remote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media or communications media, whichtwo terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.

Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include,but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical diskstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitorymedia which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readablestorage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computingdevices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrievalprotocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the informationstored by the medium.

Communications media can embody computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules or other structured or unstructured data ina data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave orother transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery ortransport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way ofexample, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

With reference to FIG. 10, implementing various aspects described hereinwith regards to the end-user device can include a computer 1000, thecomputer 1000 including a processing unit 1004, a system memory 1006 anda system bus 1008. The system bus 1008 couples system componentsincluding, but not limited to, the system memory 1006 to the processingunit 1004. The processing unit 1004 can be any of various commerciallyavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processorarchitectures can also be employed as the processing unit 1004.

The system bus 1008 can be any of several types of bus structure thatcan further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 1006includes read-only memory (ROM) 1027 and random access memory (RAM)1012. A basic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatilememory 1027 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basicroutines that help to transfer information between elements within thecomputer 1000, such as during start-up. The RAM 1012 can also include ahigh-speed RAM such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 1000 further includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD)1014 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal hard disk drive 1014 can also beconfigured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), amagnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 1016, (e.g., to read from or write to aremovable diskette 1018) and an optical disk drive 1020, (e.g., readinga CD-ROM disk 1022 or, to read from or write to other high capacityoptical media such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1014, magnetic diskdrive 1016 and optical disk drive 1020 can be connected to the systembus 1008 by a hard disk drive interface 1024, a magnetic disk driveinterface 1026 and an optical drive interface 1028, respectively. Theinterface 1024 for external drive implementations includes at least oneor both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interfacetechnologies. Other external drive connection technologies are withincontemplation of the subject embodiments.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 1000 the drives and mediaaccommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable media above refers to aHDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media suchas a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat other types of media which are readable by a computer 1000, such aszip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and thelike, can also be used in the example operating environment, andfurther, that any such media can contain computer-executableinstructions for performing the methods of the disclosed embodiments.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 1012,including an operating system 1030, one or more application programs1032, other program modules 1034 and program data 1036. All or portionsof the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 1012. It is to be appreciated that the variousembodiments can be implemented with various commercially availableoperating systems or combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 1000 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 1038 and apointing device, such as a mouse 1040. Other input devices (not shown)may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad,a stylus pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 1004 through an input deviceinterface 1042 that is coupled to the system bus 1008, but can beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 1044 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 1008 through an interface, such as a video adapter 1046. Inaddition to the monitor 1044, a computer 1000 typically includes otherperipheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 1000 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections by wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1048. The remotecomputer(s) 1048 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentdevice, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer,although, for purposes of brevity, only a memory/storage device 1050 isillustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wirelessconnectivity to a local area network (LAN) 1052 and/or larger networks,e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 1054. Such LAN and WAN networkingenvironments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitateenterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which mayconnect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1000 isconnected to the local network 1052 through a wired and/or wirelesscommunication network interface or adapter 1056. The adapter 1056 mayfacilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1052, which mayalso include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicatingwith the wireless adapter 1056.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1000 can includea modem 1058, or is connected to a communications server on the WAN1054, or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN1054, such as by way of the Internet. The modem 1058, which can beinternal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to thesystem bus 1008 through the input device interface 1042. In a networkedenvironment, program modules depicted relative to the computer, orportions thereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device1050. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown areexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used.

The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless devices orentities operatively disposed in wireless communication, e.g., aprinter, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portable dataassistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or locationassociated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand,restroom), and telephone. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefinedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from acouch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work,without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in acell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send andreceive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a basestation. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE802.11 (a, b,g, n, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. AWi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to theInternet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Finetworks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a) data rate, for example, or withproducts that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic “10BaseT” wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

As used in this application, the terms “system,” “component,”“interface,” and the like are generally intended to refer to acomputer-related entity or an entity related to an operational machinewith one or more specific functionalities. The entities disclosed hereincan be either hardware, a combination of hardware and software,software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, butis not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor,an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or acomputer. By way of illustration, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. These components also can execute from various computerreadable storage media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry that is operated bysoftware or firmware application(s) executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. An interface can comprise input/output (I/O)components as well as associated processor, application, and/or APIcomponents.

Furthermore, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented as amethod, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programmingand/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware,or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement thedisclosed subject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as usedherein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device, computer-readable carrier, orcomputer-readable media. For example, computer-readable media caninclude, but are not limited to, a magnetic storage device, e.g., harddisk; floppy disk; magnetic strip(s); an optical disk (e.g., compactdisk (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD)); a smartcard; a flash memory device (e.g., card, stick, key drive); and/or avirtual device that emulates a storage device and/or any of the abovecomputer-readable media.

As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or devicecomprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;single-processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithreadtechnology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributedshared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integratedcircuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device(CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures suchas, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhanceperformance of user equipment. A processor also can be implemented as acombination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “data store,” “datastorage,” “database,” “repository,” “queue”, and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory. In addition, memory components or memory elementscan be removable or stationary. Moreover, memory can be internal orexternal to a device or component, or removable or stationary. Memorycan comprise various types of media that are readable by a computer,such as hard-disc drives, zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memorycards or other types of memory cards, cartridges, or the like.

By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory cancomprise read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electricallyprogrammable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flashmemory. Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), whichacts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and notlimitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rateSDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), anddirect Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the disclosed memory componentsof systems or methods herein are intended to comprise, without beinglimited to comprising, these and any other suitable types of memory.

In particular and in regard to the various functions performed by theabove described components, devices, circuits, systems and the like, theterms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe suchcomponents are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, toany component which performs the specified function of the describedcomponent (e.g., a functional equivalent), even though not structurallyequivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function inthe herein illustrated example aspects of the embodiments. In thisregard, it will also be recognized that the embodiments comprises asystem as well as a computer-readable medium having computer-executableinstructions for performing the acts and/or events of the variousmethods.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media cancomprise, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory orother memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/ornon-transitory media which can be used to store desired information.Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

On the other hand, communications media typically embodycomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother structured or unstructured data in a data signal such as amodulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transportmechanism, and comprises any information delivery or transport media.The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to a signal that hasone or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as toencode information in one or more signals. By way of example, and notlimitation, communications media comprise wired media, such as a wirednetwork or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic,RF, infrared and other wireless media

Further, terms like “user equipment,” “user device,” “mobile device,”“mobile,” station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” andsimilar terminology, generally refer to a wireless device utilized by asubscriber or user of a wireless communication network or service toreceive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming, orsubstantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing termsare utilized interchangeably in the subject specification and relateddrawings. Likewise, the terms “access point,” “node B,” “base station,”“evolved Node B,” “cell,” “cell site,” and the like, can be utilizedinterchangeably in the subject application, and refer to a wirelessnetwork component or appliance that serves and receives data, control,voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-stream orsignaling-stream from a set of subscriber stations. Data and signalingstreams can be packetized or frame-based flows. It is noted that in thesubject specification and drawings, context or explicit distinctionprovides differentiation with respect to access points or base stationsthat serve and receive data from a mobile device in an outdoorenvironment, and access points or base stations that operate in aconfined, primarily indoor environment overlaid in an outdoor coveragearea. Data and signaling streams can be packetized or frame-based flows.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer,” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout the subjectspecification, unless context warrants particular distinction(s) amongthe terms. It should be appreciated that such terms can refer to humanentities, associated devices, or automated components supported throughartificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference based oncomplex mathematical formalisms) which can provide simulated vision,sound recognition and so forth. In addition, the terms “wirelessnetwork” and “network” are used interchangeable in the subjectapplication, when context wherein the term is utilized warrantsdistinction for clarity purposes such distinction is made explicit.

Moreover, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as anexample, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design describedherein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the wordexemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As usedin this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, orclear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of thenatural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; orX employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under anyof the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” asused in this application and the appended claims should generally beconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromcontext to be directed to a singular form.

In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed withrespect to only one of several implementations, such feature may becombined with one or more other features of the other implementations asmay be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes” and “including” andvariants thereof are used in either the detailed description or theclaims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar tothe term “comprising.”

The above descriptions of various embodiments of the subject disclosureand corresponding figures and what is described in the Abstract, aredescribed herein for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise formsdisclosed. It is to be understood that one of ordinary skill in the artmay recognize that other embodiments having modifications, permutations,combinations, and additions can be implemented for performing the same,similar, alternative, or substitute functions of the disclosed subjectmatter, and are therefore considered within the scope of thisdisclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not belimited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should beconstrued in breadth and scope in accordance with the claims below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a processor; and a memorythat stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:instantiating, for a first time slot, a first vertical network sliceassociated with a first network service, wherein the first verticalnetwork slice comprises a first network slice associated with a firstnetwork and a second network slice associated with a second network thatis different than the first network; and instantiating, for a secondtime slot, a second vertical network slice associated with a secondnetwork service, wherein the second vertical network slice comprises athird network slice associated with the first network and a fourthnetwork slice associated with the second network.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein the first network is a radio access network and the secondnetwork is a core network.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the firstnetwork slice comprises at least one of a core slice, or a backhaulslice.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first vertical networkslice comprises a slice pairing function that facilitates pairing slicesfrom the first network and the second network.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the slice pairing function comprises a software definednetworking management function.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein theslice pairing function facilitates logical connectivity between thefirst network and the second network.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe second vertical network slice shares a portion of the first networkslice or the second network slice with the first vertical network slice.8. A method, comprising: instantiating, by a network device comprising aprocessor, for a first time slot, a first vertical network sliceassociated with a first network service, wherein the first verticalnetwork slice comprises a first network slice associated with a firstnetwork and a second network slice associated with a second network thatis different than the first network; and instantiating, by the networkdevice, for a second time slot, a second vertical network sliceassociated with a second network service, wherein the second verticalnetwork slice comprises a third network slice associated with the firstnetwork and a fourth network slice associated with the second network.9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first network is a radio accessnetwork and the second network is a core network.
 10. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the first network slice comprises at least one of anaccess slice, or a service slice.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein thefirst vertical network slice facilitates pairing slices from the firstnetwork and the second network.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thepairing employs a software defined networking management function. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein the pairing facilitates logicalconnectivity between the first network and the second network.
 14. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the second vertical network slice shares aportion of the first network slice or the second network slice with thefirst vertical network slice.
 15. A non-transitory machine-readablemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessor of a device, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:instantiating, for a first time slot, a first vertical network sliceassociated with a first network service, wherein the first verticalnetwork slice comprises a first network slice associated with a firstnetwork and a second network slice associated with a second network thatis different than the first network; and instantiating, for a secondtime slot, a second vertical network slice associated with a secondnetwork service, wherein the second vertical network slice comprises athird network slice associated with the first network and a fourthnetwork slice associated with the second network.
 16. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the first network is aradio access network and the second network is a core network.
 17. Thenon-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the firstnetwork slice comprises at least one of a backhaul slice, or an accessslice.
 18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 15,wherein the first vertical network slice facilitates pairing slices fromthe first network and the second network.
 19. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the pairing employs asoftware defined networking management function.
 20. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the pairing facilitateslogical connectivity between the first network and the second network.